Fukusa Accent Pillow with Treasure Ship

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This is a smaller fukusa, 20” x 20”, with a beautifully detailed treasure ship on the front. The treasure ship is one of the most commonly used symbols on fukusa because it is very general purpose. The treasure ship faces the viewer head-on, cutting through the water with a full sail and a full cargo of all the good things in life. The general meaning is a wish for prosperity and fulfillment of other core desires highly regarded in Japanese culture. These include knowledge, wisdom, luck or opportunity, beauty (of surroundings) and a peaceful mind. The ship is followed by a single crane for good luck and the mast is topped by the Buddhist life symbol. This fukusa would have been appropriate for almost any occasion – it is simply a wish for all good things to come to the recipient. Circa 1930.

The pillow backing is a black wave patterned silk/nylon blend. The cording and tassels are also black.

A Fukusa is a woven square of silk fabric traditionally used by the Japanese to cover a ceremonial gift during its presentation. We've used Fukusa (Fukusa is both singular and plural) to create unique decorative pillow covers which are about 24' x 24' in size. Fukusa, are generally backed with another piece of silk material. Often the backing silk material is bright orange or red and contains the family crest of the person or family giving the gift. Each of these Fukusa are combined with hand selected backing fabrics, borders and tassels to make decorative accent pillows that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Most modern Fukusa are quite small and mostly used for the tea ceremony. Think of them as a combination of gift wrapping and greeting card. The message conveyed by the symbols on the Fukusa is very important and needs to be appropriate for the occasion. The Fukusa silk decorative pillows we offer are made using these antique or vintage (around 50 to 100 years old) gift coverings.

Fukusa that are in acceptable condition and suitable for decorative designer pillows are becoming increasingly scarce and hard to find. And as the scarcity has increased, the prices have also increased dramatically. Fukusa are a beautiful, disappearing piece of Japanese cultural history but beautifully preserved in these decorative down pillows.

The Fukusa used in these down pillows are hand woven silk with intricate loom embroidery. In addition, some of these Fukusa also have hand embroidered highlights. All accent pillow fillings are down and feathers. As these are old pieces, at least 50 years old, there is minor wear associated with age but these decorative throw pillows are all sturdy and in excellent condition.

Shipping of this selection to your location within the continental United States is $25Furniture delivery generally in about 14 days. Smaller items generally within 10-14 days.